Fundraising

Catherine's story – motorcycling around the world

Summary: Registered blind, Catherine Birchall will travel around the world on a motorcycle.

• Catherine's challenge
• Why Catherine is doing this

Catherine's challenge

In the spring of 2008 Catherine Birchall will begin her journey around the world on a motorcycle. Accompanied by Bernard Smith, she will be the first blind person to circumnavigate the globe in this way.

For twelve months and 25,000 miles, they will visit countries such as Russia, China and India. Then they will head to Australia, South America, ride up through the United States and into Canada before returning home.

During the trip they aim to share experiences and perceptions of what it means to be visually impaired in different cultures.

Why Catherine is doing this

Catherine is attempting this challenge to raise awareness about sight problems. She has the support of three charities, including RNIB.

“Across the world there are 161 million people who are visually impaired of which about 45 million people are blind like me. This is nearly the population of England. In the UK alone we have in the region of 2 million people with sight loss and so much needs to be done … I have always believed that being blind means I see the world in a different way. That’s all. I want to show people their life isn’t over because they lose their sight. Even if it is just possible for one person to see a new beginning the trip will be worth it.”
Catherine's thoughts on her journey.

You can follow Catherine's travel adventures on her website.

Content author: fundraising@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13